Both Birmingham City and Bristol Academy are still searching for their first win in the FA WSL after their encounter on Wednesday night finished goalless. However the result meant Bristol finally registered some points on the board and ended a run of 7 straight defeats in all competitions.
The home side will be disappointed with their performance as they have now scored just one goal in the league despite creating chance after chance against the WSL1’s bottom-placed club.
Vixen’s keeper Mary Earps put in a sterling performance of the highest draw to deny England international Karen Carney and striker Freda Ayisi throughout the 90 minutes.
But she was well beaten after 25 minutes when Ayisi latched on to the end of a Remi Allen long ball but the 20-year old’s shot went narrowly wide of the post.
With the pressure continuing to mount, Bristol’s number one well to block from Ayisi following Jo Potter’s corner with Meaghan Sargeant volleying the rebound the wrong side of the post.
After the break Melissa Lawley went close to grabbing the opener for the Blues before setting up Carney late on who was just inches away from connecting with her pinpoint cross. The visitors fashioned a rare chance at goal through substitute Sharla Passariello, but her volley blazed over the bar.
Talking about the result, Birmingham City Ladies manager David Parker told the BBC, “It was a fantastic performance by the girls. We created chance after chance, and opportunities in abundance.
“We just haven’t been able to find the back of the net.
“It wasn’t to be tonight, for whatever reason. Bristol didn’t cause us any problems, especially in the second half. I just can’t fault the girls.”
Star performer Earps was in high spirits after the game and spoke to the FA WSL about the importance of ending her side’s run of defeats in front of new manager Willie Kirk who watched from the stands. “It’s great to get a manager in nice and early to settle the team and I’m looking forward to getting started with him as soon as we can,” she said. “His first game is at home and all of us are looking forward to that after winning what is a crucial point for us that will hopefully push us forward.
“Obviously it’s been a busy start to the season so I’m over the moon with the clean sheet because it means a lot to a goalkeeper particularly when we’ve conceded more goals than we would have liked.
“A clean sheet is massive for the whole team, not just myself and the defence and it will hopefully give us a lift going forward.”
